If you’re a regular visitor to Sew4Home, you’re probably familiar with our Re-imagine & Renovate series. It’s where we show you how new fabric can completely change the look of a design; the same way a fresh coat of paint can transform a room. The theory works just as well with the ten projects in our new Sew4Home Bags and Totes book. We selected one of our favorites: the Kid's Vintage Book Bag, and gave it a floral makeover.
The fabric and hardware you select are what gives your bag its personal style. This adorable satchel appears in the book with a kid-friendly design in retro fabrics. It’s a look we love, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only look!
We found a home décor fabric that featured a gorgeous watercolor floral. Rich greens, delicate pinks, plus hints of magenta, gold, and orange make up an abstract poppy garden. The colors are rich and elegant. We paired this with a solid mint green canvas that coordinates with but does not overpower the main print. The original project mixes three fabrics for the exterior, but we reduced this to just two. That’s another choice you can always make as you create your custom look – simply add together the fabric quantities needed for the various sections to give you the yardage required.
Our sophisticated exterior has a fun surprise on the inside. A candy pink gingham is used for the lining and the same sweet color is echoed in the perimeter piping.
We also changed up the flap’s stwist lock to a sleek rectangular option but kept the other hardware the same.
Each fabric has its own personality; and just like mixing interesting guests at a dinner party gives you dozens of fascinating conversations - how you combine fabric in a project gives you an unlimited number of beautiful end results. Pick up the book and give it a try yourself.
There are ten cool carryalls included, from a jumbo tote to a petite clutch. And we have tips and techniques to help you give each one a professional finish. Plus, no paper patterns are required!
The book is available now at your favorite in-store or online bookseller, including Amazon. For international orders, publisher Fons & Porter tells us the best places to order from would be amazon.co.uk, barnesandnoble.com, or the Interweave online store, where it is available as an eBook and a printed book.